Yqal ransomware removal

Yqal ransomware is file-encrypting malware from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. It’s a pretty generic ransomware infection, practically identical to the other versions released by the cybercrime group operating Djvu. You can differentiate which version you are dealing with by the extension added to encrypted files. This particular version adds .yqal, hence why it’s known as Yqal ransomware. Unfortunately, you will not be able to open any of the files with this extension unless you first decrypt them. However, decrypting them is not going to be easy because you’d need to purchase the decryptor from the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. Though giving into the demands is also not recommended.

 

 

Yqal ransomware is part of the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. There are hundreds of ransomware in this malware family, mostly identical. The cybercrime gang continues to release new versions on a regular basis. The most recent versions are more or less identical to one another but you can differentiate them by the extensions they add to files they encrypt. This particular ransomware will add .yqal to all personal files. It will target all files that you would be most willing to pay for, such as photos, videos, images, documents, etc. None of the files with the extension will be openable unless you first use a decryptor on them. However, the only people with a working decryptor are the cybercriminals operating this ransomware.

The moment the ransomware is initiated, it will start encrypting your files. While it’s encrypting files, the ransomware will show a fake Windows update window. Once it’s done, it will drop a _readme.txt ransom note in all folders that contain encrypted files. The note is a generic one dropped by other versions of Djvu. It explains that files have been encrypted and how to decrypt them. Unfortunately, decryption requires buying a decryption tool from the cybercriminals operating this ransomware. The decryptor costs $980, though supposedly there will be a 50% discount for those who make contact within the first 72 hours. Even if that is true, paying the ransom is usually not a good idea. There are no guarantees that you will actually be sent a decryptor, considering that you are dealing with cybercriminals. In the past, many victims did not receive their decryptors. So while whether to pay or not is your decision to make, you should be aware of the risks. Furthermore, ransomware will continue to be an issue as long as victims pay the ransom. Ransomware brings a lot of money to cybercriminals, so they will not stop their malicious activities if victims give in instead of backing up files.

If you have a backup, recovering files should not cause problems. If you were in the habit of backing up files regularly prior to infection, you can connect to your backup once you remove Yqal ransomware from your computer. Make sure to use anti-virus software to remove Yqal ransomware because if you try to do it manually, you may not fully get rid of the ransomware. If the ransomware is still present when you access your backup, backed-up files would become encrypted as well.

If you don’t have a backup, file recovery will be much more difficult. At the moment, a free Yqal ransomware decryptor is not available. You can find a free Djvu/STOP decryptor released by Emsisoft but it’s not effective against Yqal ransomware or any other more recent Djvu version. That is because Yqal ransomware uses online keys to encrypt files. Because of this, each victim has a unique key, and it’s not possible to decrypt files unless victims get their keys. Unless those keys are released by the cybercriminals or law enforcement if they catch the cybercriminals, a free Yqal ransomware decryptor is unlikely to be released. Nonetheless, it’s recommended to back up all encrypted files and check NoMoreRansom from time to time.

Ransomware distribution methods

Cybercriminals often use malicious spam campaigns to distribute their malware. They purchase thousands of emails addresses from various hacker forums and then proceed to send them emails with malicious attachments. The emails are very generic, which is good for users because they can easily recognize malspam if they know what to look for. One of the most noticeable signs is grammar/spelling mistakes when an email is supposed to be official correspondence. For example, if you receive an email from a parcel delivery service with an attachment but there are a lot of mistakes, it’s most certainly malspam. Another thing users should take note of is how the email addresses them. When a company whose services users use sends official correspondence to their customers, they address them using their names. If an email starts off with “User”, “Customer”, “Member”, etc. when the sender should be aware of their name, users should be suspicious. In some cases, the malspam can be more sophisticated. Thus, it’s recommended to scan all email attachments with anti-virus software or VirusTotal.

If you use torrents to pirate copyrighted content, you are risking infecting your computer with all kinds of malware infections, including ransomware. Torrent sites are often quite poorly regulated, which is one of the reasons why pirating is not a good idea. Malicious actors take advantage of the fact that torrent sites are poorly regulated and upload malicious content. Malware can usually be found in torrents for popular movies, TV shows, video games, and software. So not only is pirating essentially stealing, but it’s also quite dangerous for your computer/data.

Yqal ransomware removal

Ransomware is one of the most serious malware infections you can encounter so we do not recommend trying to remove Yqal ransomware manually. You could end up causing even more damage, or you might not fully get rid of the ransomware. Thus, you should use anti-malware software to delete Yqal ransomware. Once the ransomware is no longer present, you can access your backup to start recovering files. Keep in mind that if the ransomware is still present when you connect to your backup, your backed-up files would become encrypted too.